DDr. Muecke – TMJ Dentist in Atlanta Georgia area Most people know Temporomandibular Joint Disorder as TMJ or TMJD, but anyone who has personal experience with it knows about the significant craniofacial pain and discomfort that comes with it. The term TMJ actually refers to a wide range of issues involving the jaw, and finding an experience TMJ dentist in Atlanta, Georgia, is a good start to getting help. Living with TMJ – What is TMJ and its Side Effects? The acute inflammation of these joints located immediately in front of your ear, can induce headaches, facial pain, clicking of the jaw and limited jaw movement. But those problems can affect other areas in the body, by inducing neck, shoulder and back pain. Side effects associated with TMJ, including snoring, teeth grinding and ear infections. Both men and women can be affected by TMJ, although the pain certainly differs from person to person. Even children aren’t immune to the affliction, with early warning signs like ear infections and grinding of their teeth at night. Cause of TMJ? One of the causes of TMJ symptoms is a “bad bite” or malocclusion- meaning your upper and lower teeth are not aligned correctly. It could be an over bite or under bite. Misalignment of the teeth puts a strain on the joints and muscles which are involved in chewing and can lead to muscle pain. Treatment? By choosing Dr. Muceke as your TMJ dentist in Atlanta, Georgia (office locates in Sandy Springs area), you’ll be taking the first – and most important step – to getting help for your mouth and to start living a pain-free life. Once you have come for your dental examination, Dr. Muecke will assess your TMJ issue to determine the cause of your symptoms. The use of low radiation 3 dimensional imaging allows the examination of your joint systems to rule out boney changes in the joints. Excessive tooth clenching and grinding are common findings. Obviously, the pain that comes with TMJ is our primary focus, but long-term management is equally important, so future issues are not more problematic than the current ones. Both the position and form of the teeth may be at fault. Our office provides definitive treatment for both of these problems. As a successful TMJ dentist in Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. Muecke and his staff are determined to help you live a healthier and pain-free life. Contact us at 770-828-0000 and make an appointment for a consult today. Or visit our website at Atlanta-Smiles.com